Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Jean Genie

The theory is that I'm going to make the Jalie jeans every sewing blogger talks about glowingly and incessantly. Thing is, I can't quite get with learning another new mega-skill (lapped zipper anyone?) in the next month. It just isn't in the cards.

But today, on arriving at the office, I realized that my Gap 1969 trouser jeans (part of the prototype line before the main line launched) had totally freakin' given up the ghost.

When it hit me that I was wearing denim with a shredded inner upper thigh, I knew it couldn't go on a minute longer. I mean, I've been distracted lately, but I'm not coarse.

I have this objective to remain fully clothed at work.

I had an agency meeting in the afternoon. You know how those people like to look cool. At lunch, I performed one of my super-hero mom acts: bought a kid's party birthday present, a new (back ordered book), a healthful lunch of leafy greens and a pair of jeans - 30 minutes start to finish - including the walk:

Gap 1969 Curvy Jeans

I threw out the old pair on my way out of the store. It was a bittersweet moment.

You know I like the 1969 line. I've bought a few pairs, but never the "curvy". In truth, I was looking for a recreation of the trouser jeans, but it was wishful thinking. These have some of the same tailored, but casual, elements. And a similar wash.

They are the only jeans I have that can be - nay must be - worn with flats. Too bad they're kind of fitted in the thigh. Attractively fitted, to be sure, but not exactly wide.

If you are 5'3" with longish legs, you can walk out of the store in the ankle-length. And, no doubt, you'll have to go down 2 sizes in order to get them to fit. Could be worse.

PS: IMO, it's not frittering when you have to replace a fraying, obscene garment in order to get away with a chic look while walking to work in flats. Boot season saved me from a purchase till now. And I suppose it's a necessity until I figure out how to make my own.

PPS: You know you're a veteran shopper when you can size up jeans and buy the first pair you see (aka the only pair you take into the change room).

All that in 1/2 hour? You are a pro! I hate it when I have to give up something that I've loved wearing for years. It's so hard to find just the right replacement. Oh - lapped zippers aren't that hard! I think they're easier than invisible zippers any day!

Feel Free to Email Me At

Here am I...

But Enough About Me...

Form/Function. Line/Curve. Safe/Risk. Art/Craft. Body/Mind.
Fashion intersects these. It's how we express what is popular in what is personal. It's where intellect debates sex; where soft and hard duke it out. So much mystery underpins beautiful things. So much confidence rests upon them. Discuss.